A comparison of different translations will reveal that the text and meaning of this verse are uncertain. Some interpreters think that the Hebrew words translated of its stays and on its panels were mistakenly added by a scribe from verse 35. Anchor Bible, for example, corrects the Masoretic Text to read “He engraved on the panels << >> cherubs, lions, and palms, with spirals at each end round about.” Revised English Bible omits the Hebrew noun translated stays and reads “On the plates, that is on the panels, he carved cherubim, lions, and palm trees, wherever there was a blank space, with spiral work all round it.”

The surfaces of its stays: The word surfaces apparently refers to those parts of the supports that were exposed or could be seen and not to the surfaces on which the basin rested.

He carved …: In some languages the verb carved refers to working with wood. Since metal is involved here, translators should be careful in their choice of verbs. New Jerusalem Bible, New International Version and Moffatt use the more appropriate verb “engraved.” Another possibility is to use the more generic term “decorated,” as in Good News Translation and Contemporary English Version.

For palm trees, see 1 Kgs 6.29.

According to the space of each may be translated “wherever there was a blank space” (Revised English Bible) or “wherever there was a clear space” (New American Bible).

Wreaths: See the comments on this noun in verse 29.

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on 1-2 Kings, Volume 1. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2008. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .